This module will develop knowledge of how the growth and development of plants is directly affected via their interactions with their environment. The approach will focus on plant health and quality by investigating the interrelationship between plants and their growth media, soils and environmentally based factors. Emphasis will be placed on plants and soils as living systems and how a systematic approach, encompassing cyclical interchange of necessary resources aids in the understanding of horticultural practice. The effect of human intervention in natural cycles is examined, as are the likely effect of a range of climate change scenarios.